Information for New International Students
Optional Practical Training (OPT) 12-Month Update and 17-Month Application (6/11/08)
EA Ambassador/Assistant Applications Available
International Student Council Nomination Form
UK-Sponsored Education Abroad Programs still taking applications:
--Winter Caribbean Cruise Program
Graduating Students:
Health Insurance Continuation Plan
Health Insurance Waiver Procedure 
OIA immigration specialists provide services regarding immigration matters to international students, researchers and faculty as well as assist academic departments with the hiring and retention of international personnel and faculty.
International students at UK are required to sign up for the OIA Student Listserv. This enables you to stay informed about changes in immigration laws and/or other important news that governs your stay here. If you have moved, please take a moment to submit your new address online at: http://myUK.uky.edu. Immigration law mandates this to be done within 10 days of your move.
The spouse and unmarried minor children of an F-1 or J-1 Student who accompany him/her to the U.S. or follow to join the student are designated as being in F-2 or J-2 status.
Dependents will require their own "dependent" I-20 (for F-2) or DS-2019 (for J-2) in order to obtain a visa to enter the U.S., even if they are traveling with their student spouse. Each dependent must have his or her own I-20 or DS-2019.
Upon entry to the U.S., dependents are issued a Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), indicating the date of entry, classification, and marked D/S (Duration of Status), meaning that their stay is valid as long as their spouse maintains F-1 legal status.
An I-20 Request Form F-2 Dependent or an J-2 Dependent Application must be completed by the F-1 or J-1 students and submitted with their unofficial transcripts and financial statement of support of $6500 for spouse and $4500 for each child to 215 Bradley Hall for F-2 and 211 Bradley Hall for J-2. An I-20 or DS-2019 will then be prepared for the dependents to enter the U.S. for the first time.
F-2 dependents (with the exception of kindergarten through twelfth grade) must apply for and obtain a change of classification to F-1 student status BEFORE enrolling in school on a full-time basis. F-2 spouses are permitted to engage in part-time "avocational or recreational" study.
Required documentation:
Documentary evidence of support, such as a letter from the student's academic department granting an assistantship, or bank statement showing that sufficient funds are available to cover all tuition and living expenses for you (and for your family, if applicable).
Mail all documents listed above to the address noted on the I-539 instructions:
Upon notification from Department of Homeland Security, bring approval or denial to 215 Bradley Hall.
NOTE: F-2 Students MUST receive this change of status F-1 prior to registering for classes.
J-2 Dependents may adjust to F-1 or J-1 Student Visa Status within the United States only if they are not subject to the two-year (212(e)) home country residence requirement or they have had that requirement waived and are otherwise qualified.
Regulations do not allow a change of category to J-1 Research Scholar or Professor if the person has been physically present in the U.S. in J-2 status over 6 months during the twelve month period immediately preceding the date of program commencement.
Immigration Regulations prohibit all employment of F-2 dependents (spouses and children of F-1 students).
